Mitt Romney's Maids' Salary Raises Questions

[Ian David]

WASHINGTON -- For a woman with three houses and sixteen grandkids, Ann Romney doesn't have very much help around the house, according to her 2010 tax return.

IRS forms released Tuesday by Mitt Romney's presidential campaign show that despite reporting income of $21.7 million, the couple paid only $20,603 in taxable wages for household help in 2010. This figure was divided among four women: Rosania Costa ($4,808), Kelli Harrison ($8,667), Susan Moore ($2,238) and Valerie Cravens Anae ($4,890).

According to a number of Boston-based domestic staffing agencies, the salary range for a housekeeper is between $20 and $30 an hour, which adds up to an annual salary of $40,000 to $50,000 based on forty-hour weeks and two weeks of paid vacation a year.

But this number is only for one house, and the Romneys have three houses -- a 2,000 sq. ft. townhouse in Belmont, Mass., a 5,400 sq. ft. lake house on 11 acres in Wolfeboro, N.H., and a beach house in La Jolla, Calif., that is undergoing renovations to double its size.

More:
http://www.datalounge.com/cgi-bin/iowa/ajax.html?t=11235592#page:showThread,11235592

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. well, he's paying them 50 cents an hour.

[KansDem]

2. Pardon my ignorance, but are you suggesting there's an "invisible staff" somewhere?

A staff that is paid in cash so there's no record? And no deductions for Social Security, Medicare, et al?

If so, I think you're on to something!

[Ian David]

3. I would bet on it. n/t

[LynneSin]

8. Like some illegal immigrants

Wouldn't be shocked!

[Kali]

16. not to mention immigration status

[liberal N proud]

4. Those salaries put in perspective the vision Romney has for America

Cut everyones salaries to the lowest possible levels and take away any safety nets.

[Ian David]

5. The dude owns a whole bunch of mansions, but only about $20k a year "trickles-down" to staff. n/t

[LynneSin]

6. Maybe Ann Romney is working hard at home keeping those houses clean and raising her kids...

Yeah right

[Ian David]

9. Maybe there's more than one wife. n/t

[guitar man]

20. That's what I "heard"

Might as well roll with it

[panader0]

7. Very interesting

I hope someone gets on this.
K&R for visibility

[zorahopkins]

10. Ann DOESN'T Work and Doesn't Pay

This just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

Not only does Ann NOT work (she has maids to do the housework and the cooking and nannies to tend to the kids), but she also doesn't pay the maids and nannies.

It's just like all the rich people in this country -- they have this sense that they are entitled to what they have, and they will not share with anyone else.

They are just spoiled brats!

[The Magistrate]

11. Helluva Racket That Mrs. Romney Works At, Sir....

[mac56]

19. To quote Bruce Willis:

"Even Spalding doesn't have a racket that good!"

[joeybee12]

12. He forgot to inlcude the Honduran immigrants he keeps locked

in the basement...I actually wouldn't be surprised if he does.

[unblock]

13. of course he spent only $20,603! YOU try becoming a billionaire paying maids more, like $22,000!

go ahead! try it! hire a maid for $22,000, and i can practically guarantee that you will not become a billionaire!

[elfin]

14. Interesting, but may contract with professional services

For house cleaning, catering and lawns. Unless these are "off the books", the companies are responsible for the salaries and reporting.

[Ian David]

15. That is a good point. I hadn't thought of that.

I bet he's contracted MasterServ or Halliburton to staff his mansions.

Edited to add:

From the article...

It's possible that the Romney's hired an outside cleaning service to clean their houses and that managed the payroll, but the campaign declined to elaborate on their arrangement. Given the private nature of jobs like these, most high-profile individuals prefer to maintain their own staffs of people who know them well and who they trust.

[ctaylors6]

18. especially if they're not in one particular house constantly

My aunt lives back and forth between florida and NJ. Since it's just her and my uncle, there's not much mess. She usually uses a housekeeping service to clean. In fact, in FL when we were visiting she knew the women from the service well. I guess it's usually the same 2-3 women. I think she likes that arrangement since it wouldn't make sense for her to have a permanent employee the weeks/months she's not there.
I'm not sure if she's in the romney category of $, but they have lots and the houses are big.

[Gold Metal Flake]

17. Would horse trainer and stable fees come under "household help"?

It's so confusing to imagine the life of a stay-at-home millionaire mom.

[Ian David]

21. Ann Romney's nanny: "It's true that Ann Romney never worked a day in her life."

Ann Romney's nanny: "It's true that Ann Romney never worked a day in her life."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/125129319#post43